Mont-Blanc , with its 4,807 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Alps and the second in Europe after the Elbrouz. It is located in the heart of a massif made up of 7 valleys and 71 glaciers, spread over 3 countries: France, Italy and Switzerland (a total length of 30 km per 13 km wide).
On the French side is the largest number of glaciers. The Italian part presents the most steep slope. Finally, in Switzerland are the lower mountains and the largest stretches of Alpine Prairie.
The tour of Mont-Blanc was realized for the first time in 1767 and popularized from 1914, with the arrival of the railway. In 1955, the first guide was published. Today, the circuit surrounding the massif is marked by red and white marks in France, and by panels in the Italian part. In Switzerland, they use yellow diamonds in valley and 3 stripes (white, red and white) in mountain areas.
This Trekking has a total distance of 160 km, which can be made in nine days. The maximum affected altitude will be 2.665 m (corresponding to the Arpette window).
The ideal period to embark on the adventure is between mid-June and at the end of September. The ice ax and crampons will be necessary until the second half of July. Note more than from mid-July to the end of August, it will be essential to book in the various mountain shelters, valley hotels, being near the route.
It is strongly recommended to start the different stages early in the morning , and this in order to avoid accommodation problems: first arrival, first house!
The equipment will be reduced to a minimum , because you can refuel in the different stages villages punctuating your course. In addition, the majority of shelters will provide you with sheets and blankets, so the sleeping bag can remain at closet ! Quality sunglasses, sun protection, waterproof clothing and a good pair of walking shoes will imperatively have to be included in your equipment.
- The second step is one of the hardest. You will walk about 9 hours and the journey is a natural version of the "Russian mountain" which will make you go up and down, go up and down ... Until refuge of Nant Borrant .
- On the third day, you will face a drop of 1,232 m in 6 hours. At collar of the man , you will discover 2 large piles of stone deposited, little by little, by hikers for more than a century ...
- On the fourth day, you will enter the Italian part of the massif ... It will be a long day of 10 hours until Bertone refuge .
- The fifth step will make you go through will Bernarda (2,534 m), a unique point of view on the jorasses and the giant's tooth. You will continue by the Bonatti refuge (famous Italian mountaineer) then you will finally arrive at the Elena refuge .
- The sixth day will be under the sign of the descent! You will enter Switzerland, then you will continue your way to the Relais d'Arpette.
- Eight hours of walking will be needed to complete the 7ᵉ step and finally see the COL DE LA Forclaz ... the highest collar of the route ... Do not forget your camera ... The view will be breathtaking !
- The penultimate day, you will evolve on the northeast part of the massif and house the refuge of La Fleggere .
- Finally, on the last day, you will go down to the south after passing the Summit of Brévent (2525 m). The point of view on the Aiguille du Midi and the Glaciers Bossons and Taconaz , will be your reward after effort! Then, you will continue your descent to the Houches Village , which you had left 9 days earlier ...
So ready for the adventure? Put on your walking shoes and plan your journey now!
